As a follower of Christ, you need to ask yourself if the term “Christian” has lost it’s value in our society. Millions call themselves Christians, but so many live as just another person in the world. Jesus gives instructions for how His disciples should participate as a part of the world in Matthew 5. Verses 14-16 say: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As a Christian, you are called to stand out in the darkness.
The University of Alabama is a special place. Students receive a great education, are granted access to amazing facilities, and make friendships for life. Tuscaloosa is a place where legends are made! However, it is still a college campus where sin is frequent, normal, and always there. Regardless of how many National Championships we win, it can still be described as a dark place. In my first year at UA, my mental faith was challenged more than I could have ever imagined. Sin will always be around regardless of what stage of life we are in, but it seems as if it is amplified on a college campus. So how do Christian college students let their light shine before others? Is there a way for this to happen in a dark place? This is why I am thankful for Tide4Christ.
T4C gives students an opportunity to spread light in the darkness. When we meet together, I feel comforted that I am surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals. We strive to make Jesus Christ the front and center of our lives, even in college. While we are an imperfect group, we worship a perfect God. If you were in a dark room and had a flashlight, would you simply turn on the switch? Unless you just enjoy the dark, the answer is probably yes. As a student of T4C, I need to ask myself if I am turning on the light or living in darkness. And if I am comfortable living in darkness, I subject others around me to do the same. Our student ministry can be effective on campus. We can change the lives of fellow students. Together, we can show The University of Alabama Jesus Christ’s love. The first question is this: will we turn on the flashlight?
Hopefully, we, as a group, will collectively answer yes. The second question is deciding how we can do this. At Tide4Christ, we have many outlets in which we can reach others. In my opinion, Intramural Sports gives us a great opportunity to be the light of the world. While I am slightly biased since this is my officer position, I also know first hand that we can easily be different in a competitive situation. I am an incredibly competitive human, and I hate losing more than anything. However, I recognized last year that if I agree to wear the Tide4Christ jersey, I also agree to wear the name of my Savior on my shoulders. Sadly, other student ministries do not realize this and may give Christianity a bad look on the intramural fields. As one of your officers, I encourage all of us to use intramurals at UA as a flashlight. Many people will ask us about T4C during halftime of the contest. Instead of simply stating that we are located “just off Hargrove Road” (a phrase I said a million times last year), invite that person to worship. Tell them about the Lord’s Church. Finally, try to simply reach out to what may be a lost soul.
Tide4Christ has the ability to be an effective flashlight for The Kingdom in Tuscaloosa. Unfortunately, I am not sure if we make the effort to use The Good News on campus. I hope that 2019-2020 will be a successful year for T4C, and I pray that we will be a light to the school that we love. As we look forward to the school year, let’s always try to turn on the light in worship, in the lecture hall, and of course, on the Intramural Field. As Paul told the church in Corinth, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Roll Tide!
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